NFL Running Back Austin Ekeler Was Raised by a Single Mother, Suzanne, Whom He Honors as a Mentor and His Most Supportive Person

Austin credits his small town of Eaton, Colorado, for helping raise him.

October 5, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 12, 2026

Washington Commanders Running Back Austin Ekeler may take a few months’ break from American football due to an Achilles injury, allowing him time to spend with his parents, especially his supportive mother.

Austin Ekeler was born on May 17, 1995, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to his parents, Suzanne Ekeler-Adams.

While details about his biological father are not disclosed, reports suggest his father left his mother before he was born.

Later, after his birth, his mother remarried Craig Adams, who became Austin’s stepfather; however, their relationship was not good with Craig either.

Austin also has a younger half-brother, Wyett Ekeler, who, like Austin, carries their mother’s surname rather than their father’s.

Notably, both brothers chose to retain their mother’s maiden name, reflecting the stronger bond with her side of the family.

Austin’s maternal roots originate from Nebraska. His great-grandfather was reportedly Dr. Lincoln, whose son, Robert, and wife, Deanna, were the parents of Austin’s mother, Suzanne.

When Talking About Parents, Running Back Austin Ekeler Credits His Single Mother for Raising Him Well!

Austin’s only parents; his mother, Suzanne, was an athlete herself, having played college basketball at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Suzanne Ekeler was the first coach for Austin and his younger brother, Wyett. According to Austin, his mother never wanted him to quit and served as an inspiration for both of them from a young age.

In multiple interviews, both before and after games, Austin has consistently mentioned his mother and her influence on his life;

“She was a basketball player, a college athlete, as well. I remember playing basketball with her, and she never wanted to lose to us,. One time, we were at a basketball practice and I remember her elbowing me in the eye, giving me a black eye. She didn’t mean to. She was just going 100 percent.”

“She’s been a huge influence, she’s the person I’ve looked up to my entire life, She’s done such a good job raising my little brother and me. She’s the person I’ve always gone to.”

While raising her sons on her own, Austin’s mother faced the difficult challenge of working multiple jobs while providing a proper education for both children.

It was certainly not easy for Suzanne to raise two sons under those circumstances. Today, she appears to have established her own business, , where she works as a real estate agent and broker associate.

Moreover, by carrying his mother’s surname instead of his biological father’s, Austin appears to honor and credit his mother for his achievements.

In Case You Don’t Know

• Austin’s stepbrother, Wyett Ekeler, is a former college football player who played as a safety for the University of Wyoming Cowboys.
• In his early sports days, teammates nicknamed Austin “Flash” because of his quickness and explosiveness on the field.
• Growing up on a ranch in Northern Colorado, Austin worked, tending to horses, cows, and chickens, and helping his stepfather build miles of barbed-wire fencing.

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Nishan Dahal writes sports with a human touch, covering breaking news, athlete lives, and the stories that stats can't tell. Nishan believes every athlete has a story worth telling. With the goal of bringing those stories to life with honesty, heart, and a touch of curiosity, he shares his insights through PlayerBio.

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